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Our favourite autumn hikes

Autumn is without a doubt one of the most beautiful seasons for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The temperatures are milder, the forests are adorned with sumptuous colours and the mountains are crowned with white, as Mother Nature treats us to a last sprinkle of her magic before winter sets in.

To serve as a guide, we have selected a range of hikes not to be missed this autumn:

The contrast of mountain lakes

In autumn, the mountain lakes transform into veritable iridescent mirrors reflecting the golden forests, white peaks and clear blue skies. There are a number of routes in the Val d’Anniviers which are perfect for admiring this spectacle in all its glory. 

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Lake Arpitettaz

Departing from Zinal, the route leads you up to the Roc de la Vache, a viewpoint offering exceptional panoramas of the village. The descent then takes you to Lake Arpitettaz with its tranquil waters reflecting the majestic Besso. In autumn, the contrast between the snow-capped peaks and the warm hues of the surrounding slopes is simply stunning.

Lake Moiry

The Moiry Dam becomes a magical place in autumn, as the golden grasses and white peaks frame its turquoise waters perfectly.
There are two walks to choose from to enjoy this exceptional view to the fullest:

St-Luc lakes trail

High above St-Luc, this trail linking a succession of mountain lakes offers breathtaking views of the majestic Imperial Crown all along its length. This circular route takes in four high-altitude gems: the Lac de Combavert, Lac de Plan Torgnon, Lac de l’Armina and Lac de la Bella Tola.

You can find the routes here: 

Through flamboyant forests

Autumn is the ideal season to venture deep into the heart of the larch forests swathed in warm and vibrant colours. These walks offer unique immersion in golden, red and orange hues: 

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Planets Trail

Perfect for a family outing, this trail represents the Solar System to scale. As you follow it, you can look forward to discovering not only the planets of our universe but also splendid autumnal landscapes. A unique experience combining nature, science and wonder.

Ayer via the Pierre des Sauvages and the Chemin des Bisses

This hike follows the recently renovated ancient irrigation channels and offers magnificent panoramic views of the valley and forests in their autumnal colours. The trail alternates between golden larch forests and pastures, as clear water meanders peacefully along the bisses. Should you get tired, there are several points along the route where you can easily descend to the village of St-Luc, making this a flexible and accessible hike.

Chandolin via the Forêt des Teppes

A peaceful walk through a thick larch forest where the autumnal sunlight filters through the branches, illuminating the warm colours of the foliage. The perfect escape for those in search of tranquillity, freshness and a chance to connect with nature.

Illgraben

Illgraben is a gigantic and impressive rocky cirque towering over the Rhône Valley. The product of erosion and considered one of the largest erosion cirques in all of Europe, it is a truly breathtaking sight to see. In autumn, the hike to reach it from Chandolin takes on a special dimension: the surrounding slopes are swathed in warm colours, contrasting magnificently with the stark cliffs.

Cabane du Petit Mountet

Nestled at the far end of Zinal, at the foot of the Imperial Crown, the Cabane du Petit Mountet enjoys a magnificent setting where nature seems even more majestic in autumn. The trail leading there follows the Navizence river, taking you through golden larch forests and revealing spectacular panoramas.

You can find the routes here: 

Hiking routes